Source: IS terrorists continue attack in Iraq's Kirkuk

IS bandit groups have seized a prison, the prisoners enrolled in terrorist groups, a source at the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Saturday

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MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. Terrorists of the Islamic State group, outlawed in Russia, continue the attack in Iraqi Kirkuk, where they managed to seize seven blocks and a prison, a source at the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Saturday.

"Yesterday, the IS bandit groups located in Mosul attacked Kirkuk, which is 140 km east of Mosul, seized seven blocks and today continue the attack," the source said. "They have seized a prison, the prisoners enrolled in terrorist groups."

Earlier reports said between 45 and 50 militants on October 21 attacked Kirkul, and on Saturday the media referring to the Iraqi police said the operation to kill the militants was over.

"Most likely, the militants attacked Kirkuk in a deceptive maneuver," the source said. "The militants' attack surprised the coalition forces. They seem to be at a loss."

The ground operation to liberate Mosul from terrorists of the Islamic State organization began in the morning of October 17. It involves the Iraqi troops, Kurdish units and the international coalition. According to the Iraqi military’s assessment, 5,000-6,000 militants stand against them. Mosul - Iraq’s second largest city with a population of 1.3 million - has been controlled by terrorists for over two years.